Anatomo-functional correspondence in the superior temporal sulcus

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Auditory Neuroscience

Background:

• The superior temporal sulcus (STS) is a complex brain region with poorly understood functional organization and anatomy.
• Previous research often studied STS anatomy and function separately, limiting comprehensive understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the anatomical depth of the STS and its voice-sensitive functional areas (Temporal Voice Areas).
• To establish anatomo-functional correspondences within the STS for voice perception.

Main Methods:

• Processed anatomical and functional MRI scans from 116 subjects to create individual surface maps.
• Extracted depth profiles of the STS and functional voice activity maps.
• Compared STS depth and voice-sensitive peak locations to identify correspondences.

Main Results:

• Identified a significant rightward depth asymmetry in the middle STS.
• Found a consistent anatomo-functional correspondence between the voice-sensitive peak and the deepest STS region bilaterally.
• Demonstrated this correspondence is independent of gender and exists at the individual level using machine learning.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a novel link between STS anatomy and voice processing function.
• Findings provide insights into the neural basis of voice perception and individual differences.
• Highlights the importance of considering both structure and function in complex cortical regions.